PREVIEW-Soccer-Euro-Poland tactics won't surprise Czechs

June 14, 2012|Reuters

By Michael Kahn

WROCLAW, June 15 (Reuters) - Poland coach Franciszek Smudais counting on a mix of strong defence and fluidcounter-attacking in their final Group A match on Saturdayagainst a Czech team who will be wary about not falling for thesame trick twice at Euro 2012.

Poland's glory days in the 1970s and 1980s were based onthat style of play and it was the model Smuda's men adopted inan exhilarating second-half performance against Russia whichearned the co-hosts a 1-1 draw.

Smuda plans to stick to his guns even though the Czechs maynot take the bait after showing against Greece they were contentto sit back following a stunning 4-1 loss to Russia who soakedup early pressure before launching devastating counter-strikes.

"We do not need to (be more attacking)," Smuda said. "TheItalians only defend and they seem to able to win as well. Whyshouldn't we?"

Russia top the group with four points after a 1-1 draw withPoland ahead of the Czech Republic on three, Poland with two andGreece one.

An exhilarating comeback against the Russians has buoyed oneof the tournament hosts to believe Smuda's squad are capable ofdoing what no other Polish side has done before - win a game ata European Championship.

"We know that the Czechs can make do with a draw," strikerRobert Lewandowski said. "We need to win. We can say that we aregetting better and better with each game and we hope the thirdtime is a treat."

Poland are also struggling with injury worries but not assevere as the Czechs, who are sweating over the fitness ofcaptain and playmaker Tomas Rosicky.

The playmaker, whose creativity and passing skills fuel theCzech attack, injured his Achilles in the 2-1 win over Greeceand said he could barely stand on Wednesday.

Team officials said Rosicky's fitness was improving but heis still doubtful for Saturday. The team received better news onPetr Cech's sore shoulder when the goalkeeper said he would beready to play.

"I will be fine," Cech said on Thursday. "The only questionmark is about Rosicky."

The Czechs, who will also have thousands of their own fansat the stadium less than an hour's drive from the border, alsoneed to find a way to keep up pressure for a full 90 minutes.

Against Russia, the Czechs had the early run of play untilthe Russians took over and after a stunning first six minutesagainst Greece that brought them two goals the Czechs had anervy ride in hanging on for a 2-1 win.

The Czechs have not fared well recently against the Poles,losing to their central European neighbours in three of the fourpast meetings.

"We hope we will start the same way we did the first twogames," Cech said. "Against Russia we were unable to score andwe need to capitalize the way we did against Greece."